The Value of Time

I was about to pull out my cell phone and briefly call my mom the other day on my way to class when I realized I would be the only one doing so. Argentines are never walking while talking or texting on a cell phone. I have yet to see someone in conversation or company of someone else, and pull out their phone. There is no expectation to be able to be reached at all times. As individuals they are in the moment and not constantly concerned with their efficiency.

I believe this thought system is a trait the culture has inherited through the easy and blessed agriculture base they have traditionally experiences. The "curse" of the Argentines that allows them abundant success with little work has created an attitude of almost idleness. Their history has set them up to be more relaxed and less likely to pursue hard work in the future. I believe this attitude can be seen throughout culture and expanding into economics as well. There is no pressure to diversify production or investments; no voice preparing the country for a down turn or unpredictable economic turmoil. Instead, the country remains focused on cash crops. Their past indicates resilience and a rapid rate of return. This can be seen trough the crisis of 2001 and the return to stability in less than 10 years, when predictions were much longer.

The incredible natural resources of their nation have created a historical European attitude and continue to spread that today. Part of the European heritage they so desperately want to exemplify, is a priority of personal relationships. There is more time in the cafes and less time in the office because there is no pressure to truly perform. This was made clear through testimonies of workers who confessed to close their door and nap at the office! In the US relationships, even among family, has been reduced to short hand email and text messages because of the pressure to succeed. As I observe Argentine businessmen exchanging notes, families spending uninterrupted quality time together, and friends laughing over café con leche, I am slightly jealous. They are able to prioritize relationships above multitasking. The pressure of time is absent and the focus is more on depth. Even at night when grabbing a glass of wine at a bar, there is no sentiment of leaving in a hurry to get to the next place. The only people clamoring for a bill are the Americans. Argentines accept time as fluid and less of a mandate. The expectations is to truly spend time with the people you are with instead of moving on to the next item on your to-do list while you are still with someone else. At first I fought this idea of not valuing time was anti-efficient and illogical. I have now come to understand that the way they look at time is a matter of different priorities. The history and influence of the economy on culture leads to the continuation of the characteristics of Argentina in the past into the future. The "tranquilo" lifestyle may not be the American business lifestyle, but appreciating a difference in cultural value as placed on time, can provide an opportunity for questioning why we function the way we do as well.